Southern Nebraska Register
Spirit Catholic Radio Network
The Spirit Catholic Radio Network (SCRN) has begun broadcasting to the Broken Bow, Loup City, Ord, Sargent, and surrounding areas on Spirit 88.1 FM.
The SCRN, with 24 years of growth in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest, is modeled by Catholic radio stations across the country as a leader in how to operate efficiently.
The call sign KEJS initials stand for “Keep Encountering Jesus Sargent,” which corresponds with Spirit Catholic Radio’s mission to help all souls “Encounter Jesus.” The construction permit granted by the FCC allows the output of the transmitter to reach a wattage of 1,200 with a height of 249 feet, and an expected signal reach of 45 miles for in-vehicle coverage.
The total cost of the project, including the purchase and installation of a new transmitter, was more than $50,000. An anonymous family generously put up a $25,000 matching gift that will be paid once $25,000 in pledges are received from the area. SCRN hopes to raise an additional $8,400 to help cover the first year’s operating expenses. The SCRN operates as a not-for-profit network, and donations are accepted to help defray the costs.
The SCRN is an affiliate of the EWTN Radio network and broadcasts a variety of programming, including national programs with popular Catholic hosts on topics such as faith, family and relationships, current events as well as prayer and devotions. The SCRN also airs many Nebraska-based programs, including “Spirit Mornings” with Jen Brown and Bruce McGregor, every Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m.
More than 28 hours a week of programming is produced locally from Nebraska sources, including daily Masses and the rosary recited by the three Nebraska bishops.
The SCRN includes 15 signals across the state of Nebraska and portions of six other states. Three additional signals in Ogallala, Valentine and O’Neill will be built and join the network in the coming months. The SCRN reaches approximately 94 percent of the state of Nebraska’s population. Listeners can also access archived podcasts online at spiritcatholicradio.com or access a live-stream by downloading the Spirit Catholic Radio smartphone app.
